Sigh… take a breath and consider the goings on in our world today. As we do, it would be hard not to lament. Prior to what Jeremiah describes in Lamentations Israel behaved similar. The people called evil… good and good... evil, marginalized the poor, dishonored the Lord and His leaders, there was corruption in the religious and government systems, and they ignored the Lord.
What becomes of Israel? Jeremiah describes the temple of Solomon, “…The sacred stones are poured out At the corner of every street.” (Lamentations 4:1). He details the fate of the once rich, “Those who ate delicacies Are desolate in the streets; Those reared in purple Embrace ash pits.” (Lamentations 4:5). All because “...In our watching we have watched For a nation that could not save us.” Lamentations 4:17
Yes, sigh and lament! It’s not just our nation but the things described are rampant in the world today. It would be foolish of us to think there wouldn’t be consequences for rejecting the Lord and His ways. Of course, it was foolishness for Israel to think the same but that didn’t stop them. So, we should lament of the condition of the world and for those who reject Jesus.
Today, maybe ask the Lord for a few things you can pray specifically. Chances are there are things already on your heart. We can easily push them to the side, drown them out with the busyness of the day… but today stop, lament, and petition. Jeremiah did, Jesus did, and so many others... let’s do the same! Confess those things in your own heart and pray for the light to rid the darkness we see in this world.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.